Introduction
French Riviera House Hunting ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our buyer's agent services.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:
- Request a consultation
- Submit a contact form
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Create an account
- Communicate with us via email or phone
This information may include:
- Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Property Preferences: Budget range, preferred locations, property type, timeline
- Financial Information: Budget verification (we do not store banking details)
- Identification: Copy of passport or ID (for property purchase assistance only)
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device, including:
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
- Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on pages, referral source, clickstream data
- Cookies and Tracking: See our Cookie Policy for details
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide Services: Match you with suitable properties, coordinate viewings, assist with purchase process
- Communication: Respond to inquiries, send property listings, provide market updates
- Marketing: Send newsletters and promotional materials (with your consent)
- Improvement: Analyze website usage to improve user experience
- Legal Compliance: Fulfill legal obligations, prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Service
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your personal data based on:
- Consent: You have given clear consent for specific processing purposes
- Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our services to you
- Legal Obligation: We must comply with French and EU law
- Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests (e.g., fraud prevention)
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
- Real Estate Agents: Licensed agents representing properties you're interested in
- Notaires: French notaries handling your property transaction
- Service Providers: Payment processors, email services, CRM systems (under strict confidentiality agreements)
- Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
We do not sell your personal data to third parties.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission
- Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
- Privacy Shield certification (for US-based processors)
Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary:
- Active Clients: Duration of our engagement + 6 years (French legal requirement)
- Inactive Leads: 3 years from last contact
- Marketing Consent: Until you withdraw consent
- Legal Documents: As required by French law (typically 10 years)
Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Restriction: Limit how we use your data
- Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of marketing communications at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at: privacy@frenchriviera-househunting.com
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies. See our Cookie Policy for details on:
- Types of cookies we use
- How to manage cookie preferences
- Third-party cookies
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:
- Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Access Controls: Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Staff Training: GDPR compliance training for all team members
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., property listing portals, partner services). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates the most recent revision. Material changes will be communicated via:
- Prominent notice on our website
- Email notification to registered users
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your GDPR rights, contact:
French Riviera House Hunting Email: privacy@frenchriviera-househunting.com Phone: +33 (0)X XX XX XX XX Address: [Your Business Address]
Data Protection Officer: [DPO Name/Contact]
Supervisory Authority: If you are dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with:
Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) 3 Place de Fontenoy, TSA 80715 75334 Paris Cedex 07, France Website: https://www.cnil.fr
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 Last Updated: January 1, 2025